About Me
Compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to growth. With 15 Years in Mental Health | 9 Years in private practice
Whitney Shaw-Dale
BSc (Hons) Psychology, GradDip Psychotherapy, MA Psychotherapy, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist
Group and Inidivudal Psychotherapist and EMDR therapist
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My Philosophy
I believe that healing is not about "fixing" what is broken, but about reconnecting with the parts of yourself that have been sidelined by trauma, anxiety, or the pressures of life.
My journey into this work began with a lifelong interest in the human mind and how we navigate adversity. Today, I bring that passion into a clinical space that is safe, culturally sensitive, and deeply grounded in evidence-based practice.
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My Experience
I have worked within the mental health and well-being sector for over 15 years, providing me with a broad and compassionate lens on the challenges we face as humans. For the past 9 years, I have focused exclusively on my private practice as a UKCP-Accredited Psychotherapist and EMDR Specialist.
This combination of long-term field experience and specialist clinical training means I am equipped to hold space for complex issues, including:
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Relational Trauma & PTSD (using EMDR to process "stuck" memories)
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Identity & Belonging (navigating the complexities of who we are)
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Anxiety & Depression (building tools for regulation and resilience)
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How We Work Together
I am an online-only practitioner, serving clients in London, Bournemouth, and across the UK. Being online allows us to work in a space where you feel most comfortable, removing the stress of a commute and allowing for deeper focus. My approach is Integrative, meaning I draw from Gestalt, CBT, and EMDR to tailor our sessions to exactly what you need in the moment.
"My lifelong interest in the human mind has evolved into a dedicated clinical practice. Today, I use my 15 years of experience to help you navigate your own path toward clarity and growth."
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​"I specialise in helping clients process the past so they can feel more grounded in the present."
Experience & Expertise
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Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in secondary and forensic mental health services, managing teams and collaborating closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and other professionals. This gave me a strong understanding of the wider systems people often move through before, during, or after therapy.
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Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working across a wide range of settings, including:
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London Fire Brigade - supporting first responders and staff with trauma, stress, and relationship difficulties.
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SurvivorsUK - providing therapy for male and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse.
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Hestia - working with clients affected by domestic violence, abuse, and crisis.
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Mind -developing community mental health programmes.
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Private Practice - for over 9 years, supporting adults with anxiety, depression, bereavement, cultural identity, and confidence crises.
These roles have allowed me to work with people from many different walks of life from frontline emergency responders to survivors of trauma, to professionals navigating identity, workplace stress, and relationships. Each role has deepened my commitment to offering therapy that is not only effective but also sensitive to culture, context, and the whole person sitting in front of me.​
Specialist expertise developed in private practice since 2016
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My private practice offers a calm, confidential space for adults seeking thoughtful, trauma-informed psychotherapy online. I work with clients across the UK and internationally, supporting those navigating anxiety, low mood, trauma, identity questions, relationship difficulties, and periods of personal transition.
My approach is grounded in Gestalt psychotherapy and EMDR, drawing on over fifteen years’ experience in mental health and extensive postgraduate training. I integrate these approaches carefully and ethically, tailoring therapy to your individual needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model.
I place particular emphasis on safety, attunement, and collaboration. Therapy with me is not about being “fixed,” but about developing awareness, choice, and a deeper understanding of yourself within the context of your life, relationships, and wider systems. I work with curiosity and respect for culture, identity, and lived experience, recognising how these shape emotional wellbeing.
Sessions are held online, allowing flexibility while maintaining depth and consistency. Whether you are seeking short-term support or longer-term therapeutic work, my aim is to offer a steady, compassionate presence as you explore what matters most to you.
My Private Practice
A safe and supportive space for your journey
